The face on the Sorting Hat suddenly split into a grin, and it began to sing loudly: “You may think I’m not much to look at, But never judge by outward appearance.
If you can find a hat more handsome than me, I’ll gladly eat myself…” Bang!
A dull thud abruptly cut the Sorting Hat’s song short.
At the staff table, Professor Sybill Trelawney, draped in shawls, wearing thick spectacles, and adorned with countless beaded necklaces, suddenly lurched to her feet.
Her expression became distant and unfocused as she slowly raised her head toward the enchanted ceiling.
Her bloodshot eyes stared blankly into space.
In a hollow, unfamiliar voice, she spoke: “How magnificent…
how mysterious…
He…
He will gradually reclaim His authority and return to His supreme place.
When the stars return to their rightful positions, the world shall find peace beneath His gaze.
All living beings will lay down their sharp edges and submit to His will, just as rivers inevitably flow into the sea, and stars ultimately return to the universe.” Her entire body began trembling violently.
With great effort, she raised a shaking hand and pointed toward the students below.
Thin streams of blood trickled from the corners of her eyes.
“He…
the Fool…
is at Hogwarts…
right…
here…” Clang!
The moment the final words left her lips, Trelawney’s eyes rolled back, and she collapsed unconscious into her chair.
The Great Hall fell into absolute silence.
It was as though the very air had been sucked away.
The first-years stood frozen in confusion, completely unaware of what had just happened.
The older students and professors, however, exchanged uneasy glances.
Everyone knew who Professor Trelawney was.
A Divination professor…
A descendant of true Seers…
Someone capable of making genuine prophecies.
If those words had truly been a prophecy…
The implications were staggering.
Whispers immediately spread across all four House tables and the staff table.
More and more people joined the discussion with every passing second.
Before long, every first-year had become the center of attention.
If the subject of the prophecy was anyone, it was far more likely to be one of the new students than someone who had already attended Hogwarts for years.
Otherwise…
Why would Trelawney have delivered the prophecy during this Sorting Ceremony?
What the hell?!
Wade cursed inwardly.
Things had completely spiraled beyond his control.
He’d planned to keep a low profile and quietly grow stronger.
Who could have imagined he’d be thrust into the spotlight on the very first day?
The shock hit him without warning.
The prophecy had been frighteningly accurate.
It had even mentioned “the Fool.” At this point, you might as well have called me by name.
It’s my first day at school!
Does it really have to be this unreasonable?
Can I still drop out?
No.
Absolutely not.
Leaving now would be the same as admitting everything.
What had once been only a tiny possibility would instantly become certainty.
Think.
What do I do?
2 Wade’s mind raced.
In less than a hundredth of a second, he reached a decision.
With a look of astonishment, he turned toward the wizarding world’s famous Boy Who Lived— Harry Potter.
He’s the only ready-made shield I’ve got.
I can’t exactly expose myself.
Stay calm.
React the same way everyone else is reacting.
That’s what a normal person would do.
Please, Mr.
Harry Potter…
don’t let me down at a time like this.
At that very moment, Wade felt the digestion of his Clown Potion advance by a considerable margin.
Today’s progress surpassed everything he’d achieved over the past month combined.
He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry.
Still…
It made sense.
The principles of acting as a Clown were simple.
First, to glimpse fate while remaining powerless to change it.
Second, to hide sorrow, pain, confusion, and despair behind a smiling face.
Ever since stepping through Platform Nine and Three-Quarters until arriving in the Great Hall, he had been consciously—or unconsciously—playing the role of the Clown.
Of course, he wasn’t the only one.
Many people who knew Harry Potter had reacted in much the same way.
Ron.
Hermione.
Hagrid.
Wasn’t it only natural for the Boy Who Lived to be destined for greatness?
Clink!
Clink!
Clink!
Dumbledore gently tapped a golden goblet with his spoon.
The crisp ringing sound cut through the murmuring filling the hall.
“Professor Trelawney has been rather…
nervous lately.” “From time to time, she says things that are difficult to understand.” “Please don’t pay it too much attention.” “Hagrid, Madam Pomfrey, would you be so kind as to escort Professor Trelawney to the Hospital Wing?” “And if possible, try not to miss the feast.” “Of course, Professor.” Hagrid carefully lifted Trelawney into his arms and followed Madam Pomfrey out of the Great Hall.
Dumbledore continued, “I would also ask everyone not to spread what happened just now.” “It could cause unnecessary panic and would not be in anyone’s best interests.” Everyone understood perfectly well what he meant.
Out of respect, no one challenged him.
Whether the story would eventually spread, however…
That was another matter entirely.
There were hundreds of people in the Great Hall.
As long as a single person talked, the entire wizarding world would hear about it sooner or later.
Dumbledore naturally understood that as well.
Still, he showed no sign of concern.
“Now then,” he said calmly, turning toward Professor McGonagall.
“Where were we?” “I…
I hadn’t finished my song yet,” the Sorting Hat complained.
“Then by all means,” Dumbledore replied with a smile.
“Continue.” The Sorting Hat cleared its throat and resumed singing.
“You might belong in Gryffindor, Where courage dwells deep in the heart.
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart.
Or perhaps you’ll find your place in Hufflepuff, Where loyalty and fairness reign.
Those who are patient, honest, and hardworking Never fear honest labor.
If you’ve a ready mind, You may find your home in wise old Ravenclaw, Where those of wit and learning Will always find their kindred spirits.
Or perhaps Slytherin will be your home.
There you’ll find true friends, Though the ambitious and cunning Will stop at nothing to achieve their goals…” Once the song ended, the Sorting Hat fell silent atop the stool.
Professor McGonagall unrolled a long parchment.
“When I call your name, step forward.” “I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and it will decide your House.” “Hannah Abbott.” 4 The blonde girl with two braided pigtails nervously walked forward and sat on the stool.
Professor McGonagall lowered the Sorting Hat onto her head.
Only moments later, it shouted, “Hufflepuff!” The Hufflepuff table erupted into applause and cheers, warmly welcoming its newest member.
“Susan Bones.” “Hufflepuff!” “Terry Boot.” “Ravenclaw!” “Hermione Granger.” Hermione took a deep breath before striding confidently to the stool.
“Hmm…” The Sorting Hat paused.
“This one requires some thought…” “Ravenclaw…
or Gryffindor…” “…Gryffindor!” “What a shame.” Watching Hermione happily run toward the Gryffindor table, Wade sighed and shook his head.
“Ravenclaw just lost one of its future top students.” “That’s a tremendous loss for the House.” The Sorting continued.
Neville Longbottom was placed in Gryffindor.
Draco Malfoy went to Slytherin.
Ron Weasley joined Gryffindor.
Then Professor McGonagall called, “Wade Moreya.” Wade swallowed nervously.
Protected by the Card of Blasphemy, he wasn’t worried about the Sorting Hat reading his memories.
What he couldn’t be sure of…
…was whether he’d actually end up in Hufflepuff.
The instant the Sorting Hat settled onto his head, a faint magical force slipped into his mind.
At the same time, the Card of Blasphemy gave a subtle tremor.
The probing magic suddenly twisted in an inexplicable way.
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